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Managing diabetes can be an overwhelming task. It demands that you constantly be on top of your health. This can be taxing on your mind, body, and emotional wellbeing.
Experiencing stress is a normal part of managing diabetes. But too much stress for too long can cause problems. When you’re stressed, your body reacts with a burst of energy, known as the “fight or flight” response. With diabetes, insulin is not always able to let this extra energy into the cells for this "flight or fight” response. This elevates your blood sugar.
Luckily, you can change the way stress affects you. Recognizing its symptoms will help you utilize practical tips for managing stress so that you can build mental and emotional resilience to the stressors in your life.
Are you stressed?
Symptoms of stress in the mind:
- Anxiety or getting angry easily
- Sadness or feelings of helplessness
- Thinking about the same things again and again
- Moods that change quickly
- Poor concentration
Symptoms of stress in the body:
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Faster breathing
- Stomach in “knots”
- Sweaty or trembling hands
- Increased muscle tension
- Dizziness
- Stiffness across shoulders
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Rise in blood pressure or blood sugar
Symptoms of stress in behavior:
- Reduced activity or lack of energy
- Overactivity and restlessness
- Using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol to relieve tension
- Difficulty concentrating on one task
- Sleep problems (trouble falling or staying asleep, sleeping too much)
You’re not alone
Everyone has good days and bad days. Managing a chronic condition like diabetes can feel like a never-ending battle, and it’s normal to feel discouraged now and then.
Depression is hard to put into words, but we’re here to help break the silence. If you think you might have symptoms of depression, check out our Depression care guide. It begins with a self-assessment of your symptoms and offers guidance on the care options available to you.